Karwa Chauth is only a day away, which means you have to ensure that you're ready and set with all the necessary preparations today itself. And by that we don't just mean your outfit and accessories. By now, we're certain you've already got your traditional salwar kameez, juttis and dangling earrings ready for the festival tomorrow. But aren't you missing out on something? We're referring to mehndi or henna, which is traditionally applied over the palms and hands, and sometimes stretches over the forearms as well. Reserved for special occasions like weddings or festivals, mehndi is an integral part of a married woman's look on Karwa Chauth. The reasons why mehndi or henna is applied on the occasion of Karwa Chauth are numerous. Besides henna's cooling properties and belief to bring good fortune, it is also said that the darker the mehndi design, the deeper a husband's love for his wife. Now which wife wouldn't want that!
(Also Read: Karwa Chauth 2019: 9 Makeup Products To Buy This Festival)
Even if you've applied mehndi multiple times before for family functions or friend's weddings, you will know that the difficulty lies in increasing its dark appearance. Beliefs aside, dark mehndi looks absolutely lovely on the hands when paired with Indian wear and also contrasts magnificently on the skin too. The good thing is, it isn't an impossible task. One can, in fact, make mehndi appear darker with the right tips and tricks. Fortunately for you, we've got 7 of those up our sleeves, all of which you can do by yourself at home, no professional help necessary. However, even with the right home remedies to make mehndi look darker, there's one tip to start you off on the right foot. Henna is what adheres the colour to the skin so the longer it stays on your hands, the higher your chances of increasing its darkness. Else, you'll be left with a light brown shade which will darken only a tad and leave you disappointed.
(Also Read: Karwa Chauth 2019: 10 Gorgeous Sarees And Salwar Kameez Suits To Buy)
Karwa Chauth 2019: 7 tips to get dark mehndi at home
1. Wash Your Hands
Before application, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any creams which can hamper mehndi from setting fully on your skin.
Swirlster Says: The Neha Herbal Natural Mehendi is a pack of 12 cones made of 100% henna.
Neha Herbal Natural Mehendi Cone - Pack of 12 Pieces
(10 ratings & 51 reviews)₹120Buy Now2. Eucalyptus Oil
Before you begin, massage eucalyptus oil generously into the hands and allow it to completely absorb into the skin before proceeding with application.
Swirlster Says: The Speaking Tree eucalyptus essential oil is 100% natural and undiluted and includes a roller for easy application.
Speaking Tree - Eucalyptus Essential Oil (30ml) with Roller - 100% Pure, Natural and Undiluted
(90 ratings & 276 reviews)₹253₹390(35% OFF)Buy Now3. Air Dry It
Skip blow dryers and allow your hands to dry naturally without moving around too much, which will lead to smudging. Ideally leaving it overnight is best.
Swirlster Says: The Prem Dulhan Mehendi Cone is a set of 12 cones of pure henna leaf without any added chemicals.
Prem Dulhan Pure and Natural Mehandi Cone - 350 gm
(44 ratings & 165 reviews)₹170₹240(29% OFF)Buy Now4. Add Vicks
When the henna is dry but still on your hands, apply a thick coat of Vicks over your the areas of your hands which you've applied it on.
Swirlster Says: The Vicks Vapo Rub family value pack will leave you with more than enough for both your hands.
Vicks Vaporub Family Value Pack - 25 ml
(35 ratings & 166 reviews)₹78₹90(13% OFF)Buy Now5. Home Remedy
Once it is fully dry and you're ready to remove it, apply a mixture of lemon juice and sugar with a cotton ball to your hands for a few minutes which helps with the setting process. Remember, not to leave it for too long.
Swirlster Says: The Henna Art Practice set is an acrylic stencil of the feet and hands to practise mehndi designing skills.
Generic Henna Art Practice Hand and Feet Made with Acrylic Material for Mehndi Design, Wash and Use Both Sides Pack of 3
(4 ratings & 9 reviews)₹659₹1,347(51% OFF)Buy Now6. Heat Cloves
Once removed completely, place cloves in a hot plan and once they begin to smoke, allow your designed hands in contact with it. Remove your hands when the heat gets too hot.
Swirlster Says: The Vedaka Cloves will help you achieve a darker mehndi colour naturally.
Amazon Brand - Vedaka Clove (Laung), 50g
(339 ratings & 4,721 reviews)₹49₹80(38% OFF)Buy Now7. Mustard Oil
Last but not the least, massage mustard oil over your hands and allow it to absorb naturally into the skin.
Swirlster Says: The Daana premium mustard oil is organic, cold pressed and unprocessed.
Daana Single Origin Organic, Cold Pressed Mustard Oil, 1 L
(144 ratings & 454 reviews)₹499Buy Now(Also Read: Karwa Chauth 2019: 9 Best Gifts For Wife, Husband And Mother-In-Law)
Shop for more mehndi cones here.
Which of these tips will you be trying? Tell us in the comments.
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